Washington Reconsiders School Choice After Trump Win

Washington Reconsiders School Choice After Trump Win

Welcome to a new chapter in education policy as Donald Trump takes the reins once again, this time with a Republican-led Senate and possibly a Republican House. Many are hoping this new political landscape will give a boost to school choice initiatives that struggled during Trump’s first term. Advocates are feeling optimistic, especially about tax credits for private school scholarships.

New Hope for School Choice Advocates

One of the prominent voices echoing this optimism is Jim Blew, a former assistant secretary in the U.S. Education Department. He mentioned that the new members of Congress are not just on board with school choice, but they are excited to push it forward. “I think that’s going to change the dynamics,” Blew added, referring to the fresh perspectives from newly elected officials who support these initiatives.

But what exactly does private school choice entail? It includes a range of options that allow taxpayer money to support education outside the bounds of traditional public schools. Examples include vouchers, education savings accounts, and tax-credit scholarships. The notion of making this option accessible to families regardless of their income—known as universal private school choice—has gained traction and is now legally recognized in several states. In fact, nearly three dozen states currently offer some type of private school choice.

The Other Side of the Coin

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The idea of channeling public funding to private education has faced its fair share of resistance, notably from teachers’ unions advocating for public school funding. It’s tangled up in political complexities too; some conservative voices from rural states are expressing concern regarding the practicality and availability of private options in less populated areas.

Recent voter sentiments were noticeable in places like Kentucky and Nebraska, where measures to support private school funding were rejected. In Kentucky, Democratic Governor Andy Beshear declared that the voters sent a clear signal of support for public education. He stated, “This should end any and all debate. And this should end any attempts to take money away from our public schools to send them to unaccountable private schools.”

The Pandemic’s Influence on Schooling Preferences

The fallout from the pandemic has undoubtedly shaped attitudes. With many parents experiencing school closures and seeing the impact on their children’s education, there’s a craving for something different while still valuing public schooling. Liz Cohen, a policy director at a nonpartisan research center, remarked that while parents are seeking alternatives, it doesn’t mean they want to discard public schools altogether.

Trump’s Education Agenda

During his campaign, Trump emphasized school choice as a parental right and positioned it as a counter to perceived “leftist indoctrination” in education. He has promised to be a champion for homeschool families, proposing that they should be allowed to use 529 college savings plans for educational expenses beyond just college. When Trump first took office, he appointed Betsy DeVos, a staunch advocate for school choice, as his Education Secretary. Nevertheless, her tenure was marked by significant challenges in moving forward with initiatives aimed at expanding school choice.

A Positive Shift in Washington?

Looking at the new Congress, there appears to be a more favorable attitude towards school choice. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana has expressed support for tax incentives geared towards scholarships, suggesting a potential shift in how lawmakers approach these proposals. Moreover, the Republican House Speaker, Mike Johnson, has announced that maximizing school choice will be a focal point in the new Congress.

Interestingly, the political landscape varies by region. While some conservatives argue that keeping school choice discussions at the state level could prevent past conflicts, recent election results in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago show a considerable focus on traditional public education among school board candidates.

Looking Ahead

As the nation gears up for this new political climate, the push for school choice is just one aspect of a larger conversation about fundamental changes in education. With several new gains and losses on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how this all unfolds in the coming months—and how families navigate their education options as the debate continues.